Information on batch files
Updated: 05/24/2017 by Computer Hope
Batch files allow MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows users to write a series of commands to run in order upon their execution for automating frequently performed tasks. For example, a batch file could be used to run frequently utilized commands, delete or move a series of files, and other jobs.
One of the earliest batch files was the autoexec.bat, which is a batch file that loaded each time computers with MS-DOS and early versions of Windows started. A simple batch file does not require programming skills and can be done by anyone with an understanding of MS-DOS commands.
Batch file basics
- How to make a batch file.
- How to run a batch file.
- How to edit a batch file.
- What commands are available in a batch file?
Top batch file questions
- How to make a bat executable.
- How to shut down and restart the computer with a batch file.
- How to run a batch file each time the computer boots.
- How can I start an exe in a batch file?
- How to create a delay in a batch file.
All other batch file related questions and answers
- How to execute commands in a batch file in timed intervals.
- Creating a blank line in a batch file.
- How to exit a Windows MS-DOS window through a batch file.
- Deleting files equal to 0 in a batch file.
- How can I run a batch file at a specific time?
- How can I run a batch file or other file minimized?
- How can I make a batch file rename a file to the date or time?
- How can I play a sound file from a Windows batch file?
- How to run a batch file in fullscreen.
- How can I loop or start a batch file over after it has completed?
- Searching for a string of text in an MS-DOS batch file.
- Hide REM lines from showing in a batch file.
- How to use choice and set in a batch file.
- How to start Windows files and programs from a batch file.
- How to make a time and date log in a batch file.
- If your question is not listed on this page, try our online forum.
Other related MS-DOS and command line questions
- How to change the title of an MS-DOS Window.
- How to replace the file extensions of several files.
- Additional information and options for the rundll32.exe file.
- Preventing an MS-DOS window from automatically closing in Windows.
- Additional questions and answers on MS-DOS.
- Full listing of MS-DOS and Windows command line commands.
- Debug Routines.
- Deleting files in MS-DOS without a prompt.
- Information about long file names.